"I'm still in my twenties so I don't have need for a cane yet but, as my significant other can attest, I'm looking forward to being old enough to justify one without looking like a poncy fop."
Have you ever played high school or college or any sports at all? Many people mess up a knee early on and are bothered by it for years. People on the street can't tell you don't have an injury. Also, over the past couple of years down at the VA hospital that I'm an outpatient at, I'be been seeing younger and younger guys with canes, and even prothetic legs. I swear this one kid looked like he should have been still in high school and he was missing one leg and an arm.
Things happen. That's the main point. You may need a cane for a inner ear balance problem, may have pulled a tendon in that weekend rugby game, or whatever. The main thing is, if you want to carry a cane/walking stick, go ahead and do it. Under the Americans With Disabilities act not only is it non of their business why you have a cane, they can't even ask you why you have it. That goes for TSA, Federal building security, local yokel sheriffs deputes that are legends in their own minds.
Carry it with pride.
Carl.